With Nigeria dominating all seven events at the second ITTF Africa Western Region Championships, President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Ishaku Tikon believes the federation would consolidate on the feat.

For four days, players from Nigeria, Ghana, Benin Republic, Togo, Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire competed in the tournament with Nigeria clinching all the top medals in singes (men and women), doubles (men and women), team (men and women) and mixed doubles events.

“I am so delighted that we were able to host the second edition of the regional tournament and with the feat achieved by Team Nigeria is a confirmation of our efforts and we hope to consolidate on this by ensuring that the players are monitored and nurtured to become world beaters. Nigeria as the big brother in the region will continue to lift others with the hope that the region will become the hub of table tennis in no distant future,” Tikon said.

He continues: “I believe with what we have started in the region, we can continue to become competitive in Africa and the world at large.

There is no doubt that the region would not relent in its efforts to produce great players, and there are plans to make the tournament a permanent feature in the ITTF calendar. I must commend all the players and the delegates for their understanding, and we hope we can continue to raise the profile of the sport in the region.”

The NTTF boss however, lauded the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) for being a good host, while also thanking the sponsors for keeping faith with table tennis amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.